10 Things to do with kids in Chicago

Want to know a secret? Chicago is one of the best cities to visit. OK, so it’s not exactly a secret. In 2012, Chicago hosted 46.37 million international and domestic visitors, an overall visitation record. And with good reason. Of course, it’s also a great place to visit with kids. If you’re planning a trip, be sure not to miss these…

1. The Lakefront. It’s got water, sand, beach volleyball, and boats. No, this isn’t Club Med, this is Chicago. How many cities can boast an 18-mile paved path that you can run, walk or bike along? The lakefront is the crown jewel of Chicago and one of the most fun ways to experience the city. Literally located across the street from world-class hotels and shopping, the beach is easily accessible and fun to explore.

2. Lincoln Park Zoo. No matter if you’re 2 or 42 it’s downright mind-blowing going nose-to-nose with a polar bear right in the heart of a major metropolis. If that doesn’t do it for you, say hello to the giraffes, zebras and gorillas. Still not satisfied? Take a spin on the merry-go-round. If you visit during the Summer, purchase some cotton candy and lemonade and watch the flamingos. If you’re here during the holidays, catch the awe-inspiring ‘Zoo Lights’ complete with choreographed musical lights and hot chocolate. Best of all? It’s 100% free, free, free.

3. Museum of Science and Industry. The entire family will totally dig it here. Complete with a massive toddler room that showcases a giant water run, a weather exhibit that simulates thunder and lightening, and an enormous train that chugs its way around the biggest model of Chicago you’ve ever seen, everyone will walk away a little bit smarter than they were just a few hours before.

4. Building Block’s Toy Store. Sometimes you just have to visit a toy store no matter what city you’re in. Enter Katherine McHenry, local Chicago mom, who built the city’s best toy store. Two locations convenient to wherever you are staying they are sure to offer personalized help and get you what you need! Wicker Park: 2130 W Division Street, Lakeview: 3306 N. Lincoln Avenue.

5. Wrigley Field. While the Cubs might be the nation’s most losing baseball team, they happen to play home games in the nation’s most inspiring baseball stadium. The ivy walls, scoreboard, and beloved bleacher-bums make for a very colorful afternoon. Even in the off-season it would be sinful to leave ‘The Chi’ without a picture of the fam in front of the famous Wrigley Field sign.

6. Walker Brother’s Pancake House. Running around Chicago with kids in tow takes serious energy and there is no better place to fuel up in the morning than here. In Chicago for over 25 years this Rush Street restaurant is legendary. What to eat: massive apple pancake, enormous egg-white omelet, or chocolate-chip short stack. There’s something for even the most picky of the picky eaters. 22 E. Bellevue Place

7. Architectural Boat Tour. There is no better way to see downtown Chicago than to sit back, relax and cruise the river that winds through the city. Adults love it because Chicago’s history is mob-filled and fascinating and kids love it because anything on a boat is seriously cool.

8. Sweet Mandy B’s. Sure, there’s the Hershey Store, Ghiradelli Chocolate Shop, and Garrett’s Popcorn all off Michigan Ave, but if you’re looking for a tried and true local bakery for cupcakes, cookies and whoopie pies then Sweet Mandy B’s, in the heart of Lincoln Park, is the place to go. And afterward when your kids are shaking from the sugar high you just initiated, have them work it off across the street at the Oscar Mayer School playground and field.

9. Millennium Park/Grant Park. Chicago throws down a serious challenge to every other city in the US with what’s sprung up in Grant Park this past decade. Boasting a massive reflecting pool, sculpture garden, playground, concert pavilion, ice rink and chance to see your mirrored image in “The Bean,” your family could spend an entire day here and no one would utter the three most dreadful words in the English language, “Mom, I’m bored.”

10. The Sears Tower. Oops! I mean Willis Tower. It’s hard for true Chicagoans to refer to the tallest building in America by its new name but I will try. Take an elevator or two up to the top at warp speed and then see as far as your eyes will let you. If you dare, step onto the glass floor and look down. If you have a fear of heights… get over it. After you’ve been to the top you, and your kids, can cross this off your bucket list.

Got some Chicago favorites of your own? Leave them in the comments!

About the Author...

Alexis Tande is a SAHM of 2 kids, Oliver & Scarlett. She also owns Bossy Baby Chronicles, a line of personalized children’s books that focus on milestones such as potty training, preschool, and learning to behave for the 1-5 set.

And Navy Pier! The children’s museum there is great, and it has a ginormous Ferris wheel if your kids (or you) aren’t too scared of it (personally, I’ve only been on it once, and I’m fine with that).

I’ve been wanting to do the architecture cruise for ages, but I never thought of taking my kids along. We did a lakefront cruise (~3 hours) with them a few years ago, and they got a little bored. They might be old enough to appreciate it now.

Chicago is a blast for families and every time I turn around, there is a new great place to take the fam. The suggestions in the post are spot on. I would throw in The Emerald City Theatre program, a water taxi ride and the Shedd into the mix.